Two bills in the state House of Representatives could change the laws for South Carolina gun owners in 2012.

One proposal, sponsored by Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, would change the charge for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit from a misdemeanor to a felony.

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The other bill, also sponsored by Gilliard, would redefine and ban certain assault weapons. The new definition of assault weapons in the bill includes rifles fitted with magazines that can carry more than 21 rounds and shotguns capable of carrying six or more rounds.

Gilliard said the bills are designed to cut down on gun crime.

"It's really out of control. If we don't send a strong message to the thugs, then we put our communities at risk. We put our law enforcement at risk, and we can't just stand by idly and not do nothing," Gilliard said.

Rep. Bruce Bannister, R-Greenville, opposes both bills.

"It would scare folks who want to do the right thing and might make a misstep or have an accident and carry a gun illegally. I do not believe it would have an impact on the thugs out there or the bad guys who would carry a gun no matter what," Bannister said.

Both bills are being debated in the House judiciary committee.

Bannister told Greenville County gun rights activists about the bills at a Second Amendment Rights Forum on Wednesday night.

Several people expressed concern over restrictions that many private employers have against allowing guns to be stored in cars in workplace parking lots.

"I don't think an employer has any right to tell an employee he can't keep a gun in his car during work," said gun owner Bill Shaver.

Bannister said some lawmakers are working on legislation that could allow South Carolinians to carry guns in cars no matter where they park.